Sports News

MHS golfers split first two matches

Harley Moore blasts out of a bunker against Northumberland on August 11 at Piankatank River Golf Club.

The Middlesex High School golf team opened its season on August 11 against defending Region A champion Northumberland Indians and Rappahannock Raiders.

The Chargers (195) got off to a rough start, but managed to pull off a second place finish in the tri-match defeating the Indians (196) while losing to the Raiders (179).

“We’re a bit shaky right now in the 3, 4, 5 and 6 spots,” said MHS head coach Greg Harrow. “Our 1 and 2 spots are pretty solid, but need a little more time on the course before they become consistent. Most of these gentlemen have been playing baseball all summer and it takes a little while to develop those smooth swings after swinging a bat nearly every day for the past month or so.”

Junior Harley Moore, who posted a score of 45 in the nine-hole contest, returns this year and will probably spend most of his time in the one spot for the Chargers. “Harley has a natural feel for golf and he knows why he makes mistakes,” said Harrow. “He has been playing a lot of golf the past couple of weeks and I expect him to be shooting in the low 40s or upper 30s by mid-season.”

Junior Alexander “Zanny” Crittenden posted a score of 50 in the match and will be spending his season in the 2 spot for the Chargers. “Zanny is a good all-around athlete and he just likes to get out there and enjoy the game,” said Harrow. “We can pretty much depend on him to post scores in the lower to mid 40s, but I think the heat got to him against Northumberland.”

Also competing in the match were senior Mason Goodrich (48) and sophomore Robbie Pitts (52). “Mason and Robbie have the potential to fill the 3 and 4 spots all season but they just need to keep working hard to get better,” said Harrow. “They both have the ability to score in the mid 40s and that’s where they need to be all season.”

Junior Drew Pitts also started the match for the Chargers and posted a score of 60, and junior Matt Owens finished with a 64. “Drew and Matt are going to get better and better as the year progresses just as they did last year,” added Harrow.

Last Thursday, the Chargers traveled to King Carter Golf Course in Irvington to take on the Red Devils of Lancaster and were outscored by 20 strokes by a talented and much improved LHS squad. The King Carter golf course also has some thick rough and native grasses that come into play and that really seemed to “take the sails” out of the Chargers.

“Lancaster came out and proved why the home-field advantage pays off,” said Harrow. “They played smart golf and hit the fairways and if they got in trouble in the rough, they got out as quick as they got in. On the other hand we were missing fairways and trying to make heroic shots out of rough that Tiger Woods would have trouble in.”

Lancaster posted a match score of 170 to 190 for the Chargers.

“Lancaster is my pick to win the Northern Neck District this year,” said Harrow.

Moore hauled in the lowest round for the Chargers against LHS with a 43 and Crittenden followed with a 44. Goodrich was next in line with a 50 and junior Eric Sosa brought in a 53. “Eric also has the potential to fill the 6 spot if he keeps improving. If he can become consistent in the upper 40s he will see plenty of time there.”

Also competing in the match were Drew Pitts (56) and senior Timmy Coker (63). “Timmy is another player who could earn rights to the sixth spot but just needs to learn to battle his nervousness and go out there and play like he practices.”

Other players on the Charger squad this year include senior newcomer Jimmy Yarrington, and freshmen Taylor Walden, Andrew Dozier, Russell Hall and Trey Major. “I am very pleased to have this many guys on the team this year. The talent is there and they are all improving,” noted Harrow.

Although they are not eligible to compete in matches as 8th-graders, Harrow said he is also excited to have R.J Bibee and Wes Moody on the team.

The Chargers thank volunteer assistant coach Wade Traynham, coach James Pitts and PRGC golf pro Justin Williams for devoting their time to helping the Charger golf team this season. “I simply could not do it without the help of these gentlemen,” said Harrow.

The Chargers also send a special thanks to the Piankatank River Golf Club for providing such a nice facility and wonderful staff that allow them to improve every day, said Harrow.

The Chargers will host the Eagles of Washington and Lee today, August 20, in a 9-hole contest at 4 p.m. at PRGC, and will host West Point next Tuesday at the same time.

The public is welcome to come out and support the Chargers. There is no admission charge.